Konstantin Chmarov, Vostochny Cosmodrome
Release Date: 2010-07-29
Konstantin Chmarov, Minister of Amur region for construction of Vostochny Cosmodrome, was interviewed by Russianavia.net to discuss the current development of this space project in Russia, its importance for the overall aviation industry and the consequences of the leap that it made transitioning to the new economic reality.Amur region was chosen for development of space activities. Why was it decided to develop this strategic industry that far from Moscow?
Amur region was chosen, primarily, due to its powerful transport infrastructure. First of all, it comprises the railways – the famous Transsiberian railway and the Baikal-Amur Mainline – as well as the federal highways (the Amur highway connecting the European part of Russia with the Far East and Lena federal highway connecting Amur region with Yakutia). The second component is its huge hydro energy resources that are necessary for any industrial facilities. Besides, the most serious factor for space activity is its geographic longitude.
What was the scope of investments to make this project reality and what are the most important steps to be taken?
The basic cost of the space launch site (SLS) project is 400 bln rubles. This amount implies the creation of the main infrastructure for the main facilities and includes the planned investments for 2010-2020.
It is planned that the first stage in 2015 will see the launch of the unmanned spacecraft and the launch of the piloted spacecraft in 2018. Further on - with remote space research – the costs of the facilities and the SLS will expand. It also concerns additional investments in development of telecommunication systems, tourist industry, joint ventures and technologies, construction and utilization of the airfield to receive any types of aircraft, as well as a few other possible directions to invest in.
What is the main source of funds for these projects – the federal or the local budget?
Mainly the federal budget.
Is it also planned to attract foreign investments?
Primarily, we expect cooperation with China, Korea, Japan and Asia Pacific.
Speaking about the foreign investments, the foreigners might want to invest in the development of space projects...
As for the methodology of attracting and using investments, it’s still too early to discuss it. This concept and its opportunities have been broadly discussed by Roscosmos and other related authorities and, given that the scope is really vast, it is necessary to ensure commercial cooperation.
Primarily, the SLS is intended for scientific research, international cooperation, piloted programs. The main directions based on the state decree imply possible international investments.
When is the commercial launch expected to take place?
2010-2011 are the main years for design, engineering and construction of the SLS and its infrastructure. Start of full-scale construction is planned for 2012. 2015 will see commissioning of the first stage of the SLS and the launch of the first unmanned spacecraft. Meanwhile, the construction is to continue. Launch of the piloted spacecraft is scheduled for 2018. Finally, by 2020 we will start the construction of infrastructure for remote space investigation, meaning the additional launch sites for more powerful rockets.
What do you see as the most important points to ensure timely accomplishment by 2020?
What worries me most is that our plans need to be realistic. We already have all the necessary documents and management decisions available. Our current priority is to enhance financing and to ensure that the Russian space science and operation of the space industry is carried out on schedule so that the engineering and rocket samples appear on time. The main related industries – primarily construction – should also develop in line with these projects taking into account the needs of the SLS. When this system takes the shape of a single complex, we’ll achieve a real construction and implementation of the plans that I’m talking about.
We could say that the space sector in Russia in the last years has had some failures. It’s also because there was no funding during the last period. Where could the necessary HR be borrowed to accomplish such projects?
Indeed, we can spot a few drawbacks: for a long time, development of the space industry in Russia was based on pure enthusiasm and competition in exploration of the space. Of course, the commercial side was less developed. Now we live the times when the space is bringing money. Now the contrast with the period when Russia was developing space projects based on state funding and was engaging only in non-commercial cooperation has become even more evident. When we made the transition to market economy, the space industry encountered new challenges. Some major companies still experience challenges because of the transformation but in general it’s quite fair to say that the Russian space industry has managed to adapt to market relations. We also approach this project in terms of investments and cooperation but I would like to stress that commercially wise our main hopes are with state support.
In terms of HR, we’ll firstly need resources for the construction sector. Currently we’re constructing raw materials processing facilities. In general, the Far East as a region has a big industrial potential. To ensure the scientific potential, we have started new courses in Amur State University jointly with South Ural State University and the Moscow Aviation Institute. The basic 2.5 years of the main course are taken at the Amur State University to be continued either at the Moscow Aviation Institute or at the South Ural State University. This program is funded by the federal budget as a target education program. We also plan to reorganize the professional colleges.
Many companies working in the Far East say the future of Russia lies in the Far East. Do you agree with this statement? What can hi-tech projects add to development of the Far East?
Historically, the central part of Russia has always retained its importance due to its powerful cultural, spiritual and scientific potential. Russia’s advantage is in having other centers of potential beyond the Urals however I assume that we have not yet developed our possibilities to the same extent as in Europe.
It’s also not new to say that many subsoil extraction industries in Russia are going further and further east. in the 17th’19th centuries, the Far East was hardly accessible and was perceived as a very remote region due to the difficult communication. But now that we have the modern technologies, this is no longer important. This region is a center of a powerful spiritual and intellectual potential of the deeply rooted Cossacks and migrants from Central Russia.
The Far East is by all means an important part of Russia with a great potential for its development. The fact that the state has created transport and industrial infrastructure in the Far East witnesses its serious plans to to develop its potential.
Russia has very interesting neighbors in the Far East, like China. Do you feel that cooperation in technology could be interesting for China and favorable for Russia?
China is increasing cooperation with Russia in different industries. China’s space industry is based on the experience of the Russian space industry. Harbin, one of the Chinese industrial centers, is a close neighbor of Russia.
I hope that the époque of invasions is over, and we’re ready for civilized relations. People familiar with the available opportunities are reasonable enough not to wage wars. Regardless of the existing borders, the world has integrated itself in a single system so much that we no longer know the origins of the products that we consume.
Does the construction of Vostochny SLS mean that Russia is ready to stop using the Baykonur SLS in Kazakhstan?
There’s no rigid link between Baykonur and Vostochny. Baykonur is Russia’s national pride. Moreover, our cooperation with Kazakhstan has a lot of practical importance for Russia. Baykonur is very well-positioned geographically. Vostochny has no obvious advantages over Baykonur which remains the main Russian SLS.
| Company: | Vostochny Cosmodrome |
| Country: | Russian Federation |